Kerri Walsh Jennings is back in training with partner April Ross to try to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Lausanne, Switzerland, January 27, 2015 – USA’s Kerri Walsh Jennings underwent her fifth shoulder surgery on September of last year, four years later after her fourth surgery, heading into the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she eventually won her third consecutive gold medal with Misty May-Treanor.

At the age of 37, Walsh Jennings is now playing with London 2012 silver medallist April Ross. Walsh Jennings’ injury presented Ross with a real dilemma, but the latter stayed sharp by competing with other partners at the end of last season.

Ross finally resumed training with Walsh Jennings in Los Angeles this January, but Ross is very much considerate of her partner’s recovery.

“It doesn’t even feel like we’ve taken that much time off,” Ross said. “The only thing that we are trying to be smart about is the number of swings that Kerri’s taking. She’s still working on her left hand a bit to give her right arm some rest during some reps, but otherwise, we’re doing everything full speed.”

Ross remains positive and focused on reaching the Olympic stage again with her multi-titled partner.

“At this point, I feel really good about us,” Ross said. “I don’t really have a concern right now. If none of this had happened last year with Kerri getting hurt, I think I’d feel the same way.”

The pair must play at least five of the eleven tournaments before June 12 to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and they must also be one of the top two ranked USA teams on June 13. The points race is on for the USA women’s players, and this pair is one of the top contenders for the Olympic spot.

Ross/Walsh Jennings will return to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, at the Rio de Janeiro Grand Slam from March 8 to 13.